|
Kull -> RE: Thinking about WITP-AE ... questions? (11/12/2021 8:44:41 PM)
|
A few points:
1) There are two kinds of AI in this game, so don't confuse them:
- The first is the hard code (the tactical AI) which the computer opponent uses for things like performing search, deciding when and where to launch air attacks, evaluating whether to move into a neighboring hex to attack an enemy unit, land movement of supply, etc.
- The second is the "scripted AI" (the strategic AI) which gathers units and sends them off on a variety of missions, generally in support of the historical Japanese expansion.
The first of these is built-in and can't be altered. The second is a script, not an AI in the sense of algorithms which evaluate an opponent's moves and react to them (other than in an equally script-based way). It has been updated many times for the various "as-delivered" scenarios along with most of those in a Dev-created mod series called "DaBabes".
2) There aren't ANY user-created mods with a scripted AI tailor-made to handle all their changes. The more changes they make to the basic game, the more likely it is that the scripted AI will be unable to function, which is why ALL of them are intended for human-vs-human play. So unless you plan to start playing against humans right from the start, stay away from mods.
3) Even art and map mods need to be treated with caution, since as a new player you will be (or should be) consulting the manual a LOT and you are simply adding degree of difficulty to your learning if the illustrations in the manual don't look anything like your art-modded game.
4) You will make catastrophic errors in your initial game, and many more in those which follow. Sending your CVs to take on the Japanese while forgetting to take your air units out of training mode? Probably everyone here has done that at some point, and the results are never pretty. And there's 1000 more things that you'll only learn through trial and error. ACCORDINGLY, do not apply any of the newest "Scripted AI modules", since they only have one variant to the script (unlike the originals which had as many as 20). Multiple restarts against an opponent who does EXACTLY the same thing, every new game, is not what I call "fun". The Patch 07 AI updates from 2012 are the "happy medium" for new players. Lots of variants and lots of database fixes. When you are FINALLY ready to take on a full campaign, then and ONLY then should you update to the 2021 AI patches.
5) With many games, the devs left them in very poor shape and you need user-created mods to fix all the bugs. That is NOT the case with AE. The base game was updated well into 2016 by one of the programmers, so the really nasty bugs are long gone, and most of those which remain are barely noticeable. So you aren't missing anything if you stick with basic game.
6) Play as the Allies. The attrition rate for new players who *think* they can handle Japan is probably in the high 90s. I'll spare you the details, but you are simply asking for trouble if you go that route.
|
|
|
|
